How To Become A Champion | by Dr. Andrew Lewis
The million-dollar question a lot of athletes ask me is: “How can I become a champion?”
Some say it takes hard work, others say talent, others say it is all in the genes. While all of these explanations have their merit and I certainly don’t dispute any of them, I would like to add another: commitment. It takes commitment to become a champion.
A committed rider is truly prepared to go ‘all-in.’ It’s the rider who has the inner drive to get out of bed at the crack of dawn to train irrespective of the weather. It’s the rider who knows that things won’t always go their way. They know there will be challenges, adversity and even major setbacks — but in the long run, their patience and commitment to the cause will take them to the top.
Commitment starts from an early age. It is an attitude or mindset that is nurtured and developed over some time. Some parents frustratingly say they can’t get their kids to train, or that they are the ones who pack their kids’ riding equipment into the car before heading out to train. Consequently, the young athlete fails to comprehend how to internalize commitment to their sport, and their parents fail to inculcate an attitude of commitment but rather that of dependence. I often see the same shortcomings in adult athletes…
A committed rider has put in the mental preparation enabling them to cope with race-day nerves. They know that managing in-competition anxiety is vital to avoid a meltdown — or complete paralysis of their mental state — when the going gets tough.
Committed riders are dedicated to their goals without being overly rigid in their approach. I often say; “There are many ways to reach a destination and sometimes we have to realize that once undertaken, the journey might very well need to be remapped.” Committed athletes are flexible and realistic in setting and achieving their goals. They understand how to go about achieving goals, yet crucially also recognize when a goal needs to be adjusted or realigned. A committed rider understands the importance of sharing such a re-alignment of goals with their significant other and support structure.
Commitment teaches you what you are capable of and where your limits are. If you don’t push hard in training and racing, you won’t be able to explore your physical and mental boundaries. I am not suggesting that you are reckless and unrealistic, but you have to experience the fear of the unknown and embrace it in order to see what you are capable of. I am suggesting that by carefully expanding your boundaries you can explore who you are and what you are capable of. If you don’t stretch your physical and mental states, you won’t develop these skills and unlock your full potential. Champions do this all of the time.
Champions make it a priority to master their physical self on the bike and to be a smarter rider by working on their character and mental strategies. They strive to cultivate respect, integrity, positive thinking, confidence, and intelligence in their sport. This takes time and patience – the proverbial 10,000 hours. Practice, patience, failing, losing, and the ability to learn from these experiences are some starting points on your road to becoming a great champion.
Furthermore, I’d advise you to read the biographies and strategy guides of other champions – not only within the world of bike riding. Pay attention to what they do and how their coaches and support structure add value. Now get after it!
Andrew Lewis is a Health Professions Council of South Africa (SA) and Health and Care Professions Council (UK) registered Educational Psychologist currently working in the UK and conducting online sessions with his South African athletes. CONTACT: info@andrewlewis.co.za │ lewisandrew1964@gmail.com │
| IMAGE: Swiss Epic – Francesco Narcisi & Marius Holler |